“But the first lesson reading is how to be alone. Jonathan Franzen, an American novelist.
For some of us, when we were tots, our folks, if we were fortunate, sat down and read to us. The hustle and bustle of their day came to a momentary standstill. Our day became storytime. If that storytime happened, we felt loved and engaged.
I don’t recall ever being read to, but I remember the peace I found in a wonderful book once I could read. As a first grader, I was embarrassed that the girls picked up that skill far easier than me. But, once I was reading the world of getting inside someone else’s head and appreciating their story came to life.
Dr. Seuss’ Bartholomew and De Brunhoff’s Babar filled my head with wonder and joy. I was alone and yet very much engaged and alive. It was a practice that enhanced my life. Thank God for huge favors.
Pilgrim on a Long, Long Journey 